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Shipley Energy CEO Bill Shipley is new managing partner for York Revolution

By JIM SEIPDaily Record/Sunday News

Updated:
07/30/2013 09:06:56 PM EDT

York, PA -

The York Revolution now have a managing partner from York County.

Opening Day Partners -- the ownership group that brought professional baseball back to York County after a 37-year hiatus -- will remain an integral part of the Revolution's ownership group, but York County's Bill Shipley is now the managing partner and chairman of the franchise's board of directors.

Shipley, the CEO of Shipley Energy and a Spring Garden Township resident, had joined the Revs' ownership group in a minority ownership position, as the team's vice chairman, in February 2012.

The Revolution announced his elevation to managing partner in a news release on Tuesday morning.

The club also stated that Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson and team president/general manager Eric Menzer have been added to the club's board of directors. The five-man board, which meets on a quarterly basis, also includes ODP chairman Peter Kirk and ODP president Jon Danos.

"I think this is a big deal in that it marks the continuing evolution of the franchise," Menzer said. "It shows that this is a lot more than just a baseball team on the field."

When Opening Day Partners named Shipley as a minority owner about 18 months ago, Kirk noted that finding local ownership had always been a long-term goal for his group in order to build its ties to the community.

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Opening Day Partners has planted franchises in Lancaster, southern Maryland, York and Sugar Land, Texas. The group also manages the Camden Riversharks in joint ownership with Atlantic League founder Frank Boulton.

"Having Bill, Eric, and Brooks in these expanded roles further helps the Revolution build our deep connection with the York community," Kirk stated in the news release. "We think all minor-league teams benefit from strong community connections and local leadership.

"It is clear that as the Atlantic League continues to develop and the team and baseball operations are now well-established in York, the organization as a whole can be most fully develop with experienced local business people and civic leaders like Bill and Eric continuing to increase their respective roles."

Kirk was not available for further comment.

Menzer noted that Shipley spent the past year and a half understanding the franchise's business.

"My interest in being an owner of the Revolution stemmed from my interest in the role they play in our community," Shipley stated in the release. "It has become clear to me that there is enormous potential for the Revolution to become a premiere franchise in all of minor-league baseball. That is exciting to be involved in."

Robinson, who made his professional debut in baseball with the York White Roses in 1955, has been involved with the Revolution's ownership even before ground was broken at Sovereign Bank Stadium.

He served as an advisor with Opening Day Partners. He remained visible in recent years, joining former Orioles teammate and longtime friend Andy Etchebarren when the Revs celebrated their league championship in 2011.